Events and Happenings: The Week of March 17

John Cristadoro to Speak to Metro Marietta Kiwanis Club

John Cristadoro, Cobb County Board of Education Vice-Chair, District 5, will speak to the Metro Marietta Kiwanis Club at noon on March 24 at Roswell Street Baptist Church, 774 Roswell Street in Marietta.

He will speak about his first term on the school board. For more information and to make a reservation, email metromariettakiwanis1957@gmail.com.

Homecoming for the Georgia Chapter of Military Vehicle Preservation Association

The Aviation History and Technology Center, 555 Perrin Road in Marietta, will host the 2025 Homecoming for the Georgia Chapter of the Military Vehicle Preservation Association from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 22.

For one special day, participants can get up close with ground vehicles that have played an essential role in defending freedom throughout the history of the nation. Regular general admission gives participants the opportunity to learn about both the aircraft at AHTC and the guest military vehicles from many of the heroes who built, maintained and operated them.

For more information, visit https://ahtc360.org/ahtc-events/.

Pet adoptions

Through the end of March, residents can adopt a pet for $50 at Cobb Animal Services, 1060 Al Bishop Drive in Marietta.

To check out pets available for adoption, visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/animal-services/adoption.

There will also be free adoptions of featured pets at the Sunset Swipe Right adoption event from 3 to 7 p.m. on March 24. For more information, visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/animal-services.

Vino for Veterans

The Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation will host Vino for Veterans, a wine tasting charity, from 5 to 7 p.m. on March 26 at the Marietta Wine Market, 18 Powder Springs Street SE in Marietta.

Cost is $10 donation to participate in the wine tasting. Raffle tickets are $5 each or five for $20. Proceeds will help build the Cobb Veterans Memorial, a project planned as a park to honor veterans, teach history and inspire future generations.

For more information, visit Facebook.com/CobbVetMemorial or email contact@cobbvmf.com.

Pop-In at Marietta History Center

The Marietta History Center, 1 Depot Street in Marietta, will have their monthly Pop-In event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 19.

Held the third Saturday of every month, Pop-Ins offer an opportunity for children and their families to engage with the museum through themed activities and crafts. This month, the focus is Farm to Table Fun.

The schedule of events is Cobb Library – Book Mobile from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; STEM History program presented by Kim Zachman, author of “There’s No Cream in Cream Soda,” at 11:15 a.m. and a science experiment to follow; and Bach to Rock performance from 12:30 to 2 p.m. There will also be information tables with crafts from Cobb Library Georgia Room, Windows Nation and Bricks 4 Kids.

For more information, call 770-794-5710 or visit www.MariettaHistory.org.

Marietta City Cemetery Walking Tours

The Marietta History Center will have two exclusive walking tours at the Marietta City Cemetery, 420 West Atlanta Street in Marietta.

Led by Christa McCay, M.H.P., Collections Manager at MHC, these immersive tours promise to unveil the forgotten stories and remarkable legacies of Marietta’s enduring residents. Each tour is curated around a specific theme.

April 26 from 10:30 a.m. to noon will be “In an Unmarked Grave.”

May 17 from 10:30 a.m. to noon will be “All the Single Ladies.”

The tours are rain or shine events. Tours are conducted over gravel and uneven pathways. Comfortable footwear and appropriate attire are recommended. Tours are limited to 25 people each.

Cost $7 MHC members, $15 non-members. Members email cmccay@mariettaga.gov to receive the ticket purchase link. Refunds will only be issued in the event of tour cancellation by MHC.

For more information, visit www.MariettaHistory.org.

Tombstone Cleaning Workshop

The Marietta History Center announced it will have a tombstone cleaning workshop at 10 a.m. on May 3 at the Marietta City Cemetery, 420 West Atlanta Street in Marietta.

The workshop offers participants a hands-on experience in the careful restoration and cleaning of historical tombstones. Led by MHC Collections Manager Christa McCay, M.H.P., participants will learn proper techniques for cleaning and maintaining the monuments, ensuring their longevity for future generations to appreciate.

Registration is now open, with limited slots available on a first-come, first-served basis. Capacity is 20 people. The event is contingent on weather. Refunds will only be issued if the MHC cancels the event.

Tickets are $15 members, $25 for non-members. Members can email cmccay@marietta.gov to receive a ticket purchase link.

For more information, visit www.MariettaHistory.org.

Serve Up Some Good Charity Pickleball Tournament

Serve Up Some Good will take place March 22 at the Olde Towne Athletic Club, 4950 Olde Towne Parkway in Marietta.

The tournament format is 32-player double elimination draw. Registration includes flight play, meal and drink. Players can register for one or up to four flights, giving everyone a chance to compete. The event supports the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta.

Atlanta Black College Expo

Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway in the Cumberland area, will have the Atlanta Black College Expo on March 22.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and includes an after show from 3 to 5 p.m.

Participants can visit with over 70 colleges, universities, trades and certificate program institutions. Some acceptances on the spot, scholarships on the spot and application fees waived.

Seminars and workshops for students and parents. All students are welcome. College students showing ID get in free. A scholarship presentation, celebrity guests and a dance off will be during the after show.

For more information, visit https://www.thecollegeexpo.org/expos/atlanta-black-college-expo-2025.

Water Drop Dash 5K & Fun Run

The Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road in Roswell, will have the 13th Annual Water Drop Dash 5K & Fun Run.

The race is on a fast, flat course along the banks of the Chattahoochee River. In conjuncture with EPA’s WaterSense Fix a Leak Week, the run and post-race water festival encourage metro Atlanta residents to conserve water.

In-person and virtual options are available. For more information, visit https://www.chattnaturecenter.org/special-events/water-drop-dash/.

Easter Egg Quest

The Easter Bunny has hidden 48 over-sized Easter eggs around Powder Springs for kids and families to located from March 24 to April 20.

After one has completed the Egg Quest stop by The Book Worm Bookstore in downtown Powder Springs for a goody bag from Macland Baptist Church. For more information, visit https://cityofpowdersprings.org/853/Easter-Egg-Quest.

The Thorn

Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway in the Cumberland area, will have The Thorn from March 27-28.

The Thorn has been described as Cirque meets ‘The Passion’” thanks to its mix of drama, music, dance, martial arts and aerial acrobatics. It tells the epic story of God’s love for the world and the spiritual battle for all humanity.

For more information, visit https://www.cobbenergycentre.com/events/detail/the-thorn-1.

Earth To Mars: The Bruno Mars Experience

The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square in Marietta, will have Earth To Mars: The Bruno Mars Experience from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on March 27.

A group of five young professional musicians came together to form a tribute act to Bruno Mars. Get the VIP Ticket Package and get a private pre-show mini-concert, early access to seating, two drink tickets, and a poster signed by the band.

For more information, visit https://tinyurl.com/2s44j27b.

Women’s Self-Defense Workshop

The South Cobb Recreation Center, 875 Riverside Parkway in Austell, will have a Women’s Self-Defense Workshop from 6 to 7 p.m. on March 20.

Participants will learn essential and practical self-defense skills to protect themselves in critical situations. The workshop will combine awareness tips with hands-on practice of effective techniques. The focus is on maneuvers that are realistic and easily accessible for women. The instructor is Young Master Julio A. Aquino Sabino, a certified 4th Dan Black Belt.

The class is for ages 15 and up. Cost is $15. Register at https://tinyurl.com/3whuzjmd.

For more information, email SouthCobbRecreationCenter@CobbCounty.org.

Health Fair

First Austell Methodist Church, 5705 Mulberry Street in Austell, will have a Health Fair from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 30.

HIV Testing

LA Fitness, 1453 Terrell Mill Road SE, Suite 145 in Marietta, will have HIV Testing and Prevention Resources from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on March 31.

Women Veterans meet March 26 at Switzer Library

Women's Veterans Group: Making Connections will meet at 6 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month at the Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street in Marietta.

Organized by Cobb Senior Services in partnership with Cobb County Public Library, the Women’s Veterans Group welcomes women who have served or continue to serve in the U.S. military. The guest speaker for the March 26 meeting is Brad Hawkins, Director of the Aviation History & Technology Center in Marietta.

For more information, contact Andrea Rapowitz of Cobb Senior Services at 770-528-1445 or Andrea.Rapowitz@cobbcounty.org.

Consignment Sale for Kids

The SPSP Kids Consignment Sale will be March 21-22 at The Episcopal Church of St. Peter & St. Paul, 1795 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta.

The sale opens to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 21. Everything is 30% off from 9 a.m. to noon on March 22. Sellers are bringing tons of kids clothes, outdoor fun, costumes, books, baby gear, nursery furniture, bags, feeding gear, barbies and hot wheels.

For more information, email spspkidssale@gmail.com.

Upcoming neighborhood cleanup events

Keep Cobb looking beautiful by participating in these upcoming neighborhood cleanup events:

Help remove litter in the Powers Ferry Corridor from 9 to 10:30 a.m. on March 29 along Powers Ferry Road and Terrell Mill Road. Participants can meet at 8:30 a.m. for coffee and refreshments in the Kroger parking lot at 1310 Powers Ferry Road in Marietta. Supplies and safety equipment will be provided. Volunteers younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by an adult. Sign up at https://powersferryca.com/index.html.
Celebrate the earth at the annual District 4 Cleanup from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on March 29. Participants can meet for breakfast and giveaways at the Walmart parking lot at 1133 East-West Connector in Austell. Lunch and event shirts will be provided to those who register. The event is hosted by District 4 Commissioner Monique Sheffield, Keep Cobb Beautiful, and Kennesaw State University. Register at https://www.cobbcounty.org/keep-cobb-beautiful/news/district-4-annual-earth-day-cleanup.

Learn to help during a disaster

Make a difference in the community by volunteering to help in emergencies.

Sign up with Cobb County’s Community Emergency Response Team to gain critical skills in disaster preparedness, fire safety, search and rescue, and medical operations. This training will prepare residents to assist neighbors or coworkers in need when professional responders aren’t immediately available to help. Volunteers must be at least 16 years old, live in Cobb and pass a background check.

The next classes are scheduled for 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, April 5, 12 and 19 at 140 North Marietta Parkway in Marietta.

Bridge closing for improvements

On March 24, the pedestrian bridge over Cobb Parkway that connects the Cobb Galleria Center to the Cumberland Mall will be closed by the Cobb Department of Transportation and Cumberland Improvement District for renovations.

It is expected to remain closed through the end of June. During the closure, pedestrians should use the Akers Mill Road crosswalk to get across Highway 41/Cobb Parkway.

Call for artists

Cobb PARKS invites local artists and photographers to contribute to the soon-to-be-open Milford Recreation Center.

They are seeking original artwork to be reproduced as high-resolution, large-format prints — becoming a permanent part of the facility and celebrating the vibrant spirit of the Cobb community. Submit artwork reflecting the theme "Belonging: My Community."

Artwork can depict local landmarks, events or traditions; portray the diverse people and cultures that make up the community; explore the feeling of connection and shared identity; highlight the importance of community spaces and gatherings; and express personal interpretations of belonging.

Submissions are due March 28. Apply at https://tinyurl.com/ktjujv2k.

Georgia Room Hosts Kennesaw Trivia Night

The Georgia Room at the Switzer Library, Kennesaw State University’s Museums, Archives, and Rare Books Department and Horned Owl Brewing are teaming up for a trivia night.

The event, an evening of friendly competition and a chance to show off how well one knows Kennesaw and KSU, will be 7 to 9 p.m. on March 26 at Horned Owl Brewing, 2765 S. Main Street in Kennesaw. Teams can compete for prizes and light refreshments will be provided.

For more information, visit cobbcat.org/events/ksu-trivia.

Holi Festival of Color

Celebrate Holi, the festival of colors, love and spring, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 22 at the Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta.

Participants can sample traditional Indian food, join in on family festive crafts, dance, music and activities. All ages and cultures welcome. No registration required.

10th Annual YOU Awards International Show

The YOU Awards International Inc. organization will host its 10th Annual YOU Awards International Show at 3 p.m. on March 29 at the Southwest Arts Center Performance Theater, 915 New Hope Road SW in South Fulton.

This event will honor eight talented, environmentally conscious and gifted young leaders between the ages of 10-20 in several categories that range from Education/Academics, Sports, Business/Entrepreneur, Fine Arts, Entertainment, Technology, Community Service and Kindness.

This year’s event will honor a young pilot in training, a young sports champion, a young aspiring actor and a young business owner along with several other gifted and talented young leaders. Actress and producer Ivory Shields will be the event’s host. There will be special performances by the international group The Melisizwe Brothers, New Orleans’ own Devin Boucree and more.

Tickets are available for purchase at www.youawardsinternational.org or www.brownpapertickets.com. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event.